Tag Archives: twists

Lexus

Switching Gears: How Lexus Encourages Exploration Across Disciplines

Careers can take unexpected twists and turns, and at Lexus, employees have the opportunity to explore different paths. As a leader in mobility, Lexus offers a wide range of career options for both prospective and current employees, fostering innovation and continuous learning. This approach not only keeps employees curious and open to new opportunities but also supports the company’s philosophy.

Three individuals at Lexus share their career journeys and the benefits of changing disciplines:

Endless Possibilities

Jaime Cawyer, after starting her career in staffing nannies and working at a branding agency, found herself at Toyota and Lexus. She began as a social media analyst for Talent Acquisition at Toyota in Plano, managing social accounts and working on branding projects. Through her work, she gained visibility and transitioned into her current role as the senior digital marketing strategist for Lexus.com. Cawyer values the opportunity to explore different fields and believes it is a unique experience offered by Toyota and Lexus.

Embracing and Implementing Continuous Learning

Antonio Mendoza always envisioned growing with Toyota and Lexus. Starting as an incoming brand engagement advocate (BEA), he worked his way up to become an acting team supervisor. Mendoza attributes his success to networking, learning from others, and seizing opportunities. He believes that trying new roles and projects expands thinking and leads to company growth.

A Skyrocketing Scholarship

Marcus Anderson found success at Lexus through a scholarship opportunity with the Rainbow Push Coalition and Toyota. After being awarded the scholarship, he interned with Lexus Western Area and Sales Operations, paving the way for him to become a management trainee and a district service & parts manager. Anderson’s journey has been rewarding, fostering his professional growth and relationships. He believes that mobility of thinking leads to new opportunities and perspectives, benefiting both employees and the company.

ToyotaUk

Switching Gears: How Toyota Encourages Exploration Across Disciplines

Like various parts of life, careers can take many twists and turns. As a leader in mobility, Toyota offers a wide range of career options for prospective employees, as well as those already working at the company.

From marketing to manufacturing and everything in between, at Toyota, career versatility is what drives innovation and supports the company’s philosophy of continuous learning. Plus, it keeps employees curious and open to new opportunities.

We’re sharing the stories of six individuals who started in one area at Toyota and are currently in completely different professional positions. Here’s what they had to say about their career journeys and how changing disciplines can be beneficial:

Never Giving Up 
After working as a production employee at Toyota plant in Indiana for three years, Luis Almarza decided to explore a new direction. He applied for a leadership position in his department, but initially didn’t pass. However, he didn’t give up and with the support of his supervisors, he applied again and eventually succeeded. Almarza values the support and care he received from his leaders and now as a production team leader, he aims to offer the same support to his team.

A Second Act in Customer Service
Marta Portugues, with a background in hospitality and customer service, transitioned to Toyota to explore new challenges and be closer to her family. Starting as a customer service representative, she leveraged her previous experience to excel in her role. Eventually, she made a lateral move to a customer service representative for Toyota of Puerto Rico and then to a case manager for the East Coast. Portugues appreciates Toyota for giving her the opportunity to try new disciplines and expand her skills.

A Winning Chance   
Charles Briggs, who initially started in the customer service department, moved across different departments within Toyota to explore new opportunities. Along the way, he learned from mentors and supervisors, and now as a leader himself, he enjoys mentoring and helping others develop their skills. Briggs believes in being open to trying new things and continually learning to expand knowledge and grow in one’s career.

An Impressive Introduction 
Daniella Solis, who was initially hired by a third party to work at Toyota event, found herself falling in love with the company and its core values. She joined Toyota as a customer service representative and later transitioned into the digital communications team. Solis appreciates the seamless transition and the support she received from her supervisors and peers. In her current role, she focuses on finding solutions for guests’ issues while ensuring positive interactions.

An Internship That Fueled Success 
Joshua Faison, through co-op opportunities at Toyota, explored different roles and departments within the company. Despite his background in electrical engineering, he took on a role that typically targeted mechanical or chemical engineers. Faison appreciates Toyota for providing opportunities to expand skills and knowledge through training and diverse experiences. He believes that switching between roles and disciplines helps eliminate knowledge gaps and improves overall capabilities.

A ‘Foot in the Door’ Philosophy  
Mikayla Doyle, despite her degree in marketing, started her career at Toyota in a position unrelated to her field of study. However, she saw it as an opportunity to start building her path at Toyota and embraced the experience. She moved from one position to another, always focusing on building her skills and professional network. Doyle recommends joining Toyota’s Business Partnering Groups (BPGs) to connect with professionals from various areas and contribute to the community. She believes that Toyota encourages employees to embrace their authentic selves and actively seek out opportunities that challenge them.